Nature turns up the heat for summer welcome

By Reginald Stanley. Posted June 28, 2017, 2:27 AM.

A strong heat wave greeted the region just as the summer solstice passed last week, followed by a shorter heat spell over this past weekend, caused by strong high pressure over southern Arizona.

Most inland WeatherCurrents stations reported temperatures around triple-digits, peaking higher on the 25th. Lake Elsinore was the hottest location in the WeatherCurrents network, having reported 113 degrees on June 25. Wildomar followed close behind with 112 degrees. Only Fallbrook, San Diego's City Heights, Simi Valley, and Beaumont (Cherry Valley) did not reach triple-digits at any point during the month.

The very warm second half of June has raised monthly average temperatures at WeatherCurrents stations to above normal for the month, in some cases significantly so. Outbreaks of wildfires have occurred as well due to the dry weather.

Milder weather will end the month, continuing into at least the first few days of July.